Lesson plan
Pohlig–Hellman algorithm
In group theory, the Pohlig–Hellman algorithm, sometimes credited as the Silver–Pohlig–Hellman algorithm, is a special-purpose algorithm for computing discrete logarithms in a finite abelian group whose order is a smooth integer. The algorithm was introduced by Roland Silver, but first published by Stephen Pohlig and Martin Hellman, who credit Silver with its earlier independent but unpublished discovery. Pohlig and Hellman also list Richard Schroeppel and H. Block as having found the same algorithm, later than Silver, but again without publishing it.
Article summary
In group theory, the Pohlig–Hellman algorithm, sometimes credited as the Silver–Pohlig–Hellman algorithm, is a special-purpose algorithm for computing discrete logarithms in a finite abelian group whose order is a smooth integer. The algorithm was introduced by Roland Silver, but first published by Stephen Pohlig and Martin Hellman, who credit Silver with its earlier independent but unpublished discovery. Pohlig and Hellman also list Richard Schroeppel and H. Block as having found the same algorithm, later than Silver, but again without publishing it.
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Discussion questions
- Summarise the article in your own words. Which single claim would you verify first, and why?
- Which claim in this article is most likely to be revised as the sources update? How would you check its current status?
- If two sources disagreed about one of these facts, what would you need in order to trust one over the other?
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Key claims and bibliography are generated from the same tracked claims and sources as the article page.